The first stage of our Internet journey is getting to know the “surfboard” we will be using to surf. In order to surf the Internet, we need not only a modem, telephone line and server to connect to, but the help of a computer program. There are many different programs for surfing the Internet and you will hear different suggestions from different people. We will be looking at a program called “Netscape”. There are two versions of Netscape out today, one is called “Navigator” version 3.01and the other “Communicator” version 4.4 or 4.5. Many computers using Windows 95 come already bundled with the browser Microsoft Explorer. In principle, both browser programs do the same thing, they help you surf or navigate through the World Wide Web. But, as I said before, we will be looking at the browser by Netscape. Why, because we like it. You may choose which ever you prefer.

Below is an explanation of the different icons and functions on the opening screen of “Netscape”.

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	reload same page    go to home page     go to Netscape search
go to previous (back) site  go to next (forward) page		get a guided tour  print the page  show security information  stop loading the page from the net

 

 
Though each school will begin Netscape on a different Homepage, whether it is Netscape’s Homepage or your school’s, we will begin our ‘surfing’ at the Homepage developed for English teachers and by English teachers in Israel. It provides information about using the Net and computers, lesson plans, databases, software, discussion groups, and much more.
 

The English Teachers Network of Israel Homepage (ETNI)

To get to the ETNI homepage, type in the address as seen below:
 

http://www.boker.org.il/eng/etni

 

then click ENTER .   The first page of the ETNI site will be loaded:

 

Sometimes the page you are viewing is larger than the screen. In such cases, use the scroll bars on the sides of the page to view the whole page.

 

1. With the help of your mouse, move the cursor around to the different pictures. Notice what happens to the cursor in different places.
2. Choose one the places where the cursor changes to a hand and click on the left mouse button. (This ability to click and move from one site to another is called ‘hypertext’. Hypertext is used to navigate from one site or page to another without having to type in the address each time.
3. Try out some of the different sections - keep in mind which of the materials could interest you and which could interest your pupils.

Don’t worry if you see something different on your neighbor’s screen. Everyone can go wherever they want.

While checking out the ETNI site and enjoying your “surfing, look for the answers to the following questions:
 

1. What is question 11 in Mission S.P.I.E.Z. What is its clue?
2. What does IRC stand for? (Find under Teachers teaching Teachers).
3. Who wrote the Homepage for the Rural Education Department?
4. Find two schools that are looking for English teachers?
5. What is the name of the newsletter put out on ETNI and what is the main feature this summer?
6. Who is responsible for the ETNI site?

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Have you answered all the questions?
 

 
If you’re not too lost, return to the  Homepage.
 

To get back  try:

1. clicking back to the ETNI Homepage. such as: back to 
2. clicking on Back on the Menu bar and reversing your steps one at a time.
3. clicking on Go on the Menu Bar, finding the ENTI site listed among the places you have visited, clicking on the word ENTI, and going back to this site.
4. finally typing in the address again and clicking on Enter.

 

Which sites did you find suitable for teachers and which for students?
 

Teachers	Students
________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________	________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

 
  An idea for some fun during your break: In ETNI, Choose  Internet Gems for teachers and then choose Online Exercises. Then go into ESL Quiz center. Have Fun!